International Pernambuco
            Conservation Initiative
   
                   Preserving and protecting wood for bows


          We are all aware that the rainforest is disappearing at an alarming rate.   Concern in the music world centers around the Mata Atlantica or Brazilian Atlantic rain forest in Brazil where the Pau-Brazil or pernambuco tree grows.  This precious resource for bow making is disappearing. Because of the clearing of land for farming and urban development, the Pau-Brazil is now in danger of becoming extinct.
           Bow makers, musicians, violin shops and conservationists from all over the world have joined together to create the International Pernambuco Conservation Initiative.  The IPCI is dedicated to the preservation and reforesting of the Pau-Brazil.  A number of bow making companies in Brazil are sponsoring projects to purchase land and replant trees.  One project gives young Brazilian students a Pau-Brazil seedling to plant, nourish and protect for their entire lives.
          Another exciting project is a Brazilian youth orchestra which tours and performs to educate people about the plight of the pernambuco trees.  Huthmakers is proud to have donated a viola and string accessories for this wonderful group. 
          Pernambuco is a slow-growing tree which has produced the special wood for making fine bows for hundreds of years.  If this tree is allowed to become extinct, the future of bow making will be in jeopardy.

          Please join Huthmakers in supporting the IPCI and helping to protect this valuable resource.  For more information, contact us or go to the IPCI website.

                                           

ipci-cournat.org